Wednesday, January 21. 1998
The University Daily Kansan
Section A·Page 3
Haskell speaker highlights history
Kansas Woman of the Year shares university's pride
By Sara Anderson Kansan staff writer
A university founded to destroy the Native American culture now promotes self-determination and higher learning among Native Americans, said the keynote speaker at the Haskell Indian Nations University's spring convocation yesterday.
Dee Ann DeRoin, recipient of the William I. Koch Outstanding Kansas Woman of the Year award and a physician at Watkins Memorial Health Center, spoke to a group of about 200 Haskell students. A reception followed in the Stidham Student Union.
DeRoin, who is also president of
the Haskell Foundation Board of Trustees, focused her speech on the history of the university.
"I opted to do something that students don't have a chance to hear about," she said. "With freshman and the new students so worried about their new schedules, it gives them perspective about their history."
DeRoin said that the original purpose of the university, founded Sept. 17, 1884, was to extinguish Indian culture across the country.
But in the last three or four decades, a new philosophy of self-determination has evolved, she said.
"The policy was to move children farther from home so they were less likely to have their family come visit and have influence on them," she said. "We need to celebrate Haskell History. It's because of the traditions and strengths of Indian families, clans and tribes we have survived. I would like to remind you all that
"We need to celebrate Haskell History. It's because of the traditions and strengths of Indian families, clans and tribes we have survived."
Dee Ann DeRoin
William I. Koch Outstanding Kansas Woman of the Year
you are the reason that we're here and Haskell exists."
DeRoin was presented with a dance shawl in the university's purple and yellow colors after her speech.
Bob Martin, president of Haskell, said the university chose DeRoin because of her close connection with the university and because of her recent award.
"We want to acknowledge her achievements and contribution to Haskell and native education." he said.
Haskell has two convocation programs each year. Martin said that while most universities had only one, it was important to welcome the new and returning students each semester.
"We want to set the tone for the new semester and challenge students to stay focused on their educational goals," he said. "January is a new year, and we want to take the opportunity to gather as a body and welcome everyone as we begin the new semester and new year."
Lovella Yazzie, a first-semester freshman at Haskell from Window Rock, Ariz., said she enjoyed DeRoin's speech.
"I liked the part about the history of Haskell," she said. "I'm not from Kansas, so I didn't know all of the history myself. It makes me want to know more about it."
Commissioners debate anti-alcohol tax
City officials want specific spending guides
By Jeremy M. Doherty
jdoherty@kansan.com
Kansas staff writer
Anti-alcohol statutes and building renovations were key concerns at last night's meeting of the Lawrence City Commission.
The commission received and approved draft copies of a charter ordinance which would exempt the city from a state law concerning the expenditure of alcohol tax funds.
Mike Wildgen, city manager, said the statute provided Lawrence with nearly $330,000 for drug- and alcohol-abuse prevention and treatment programs.
Marty Kennedy, commissioner, said the law was unclear on exactly how the funds would be allocated into prevention and treatment programs. The charter ordinance outlined seven circumstances that would be acceptable for tax use. The commission favored the ordinance because of the vagueness of the original alcohol tax law.
"We want to go with this option," Kennedy said. "It'll allow us more flexibility."
Wildgen said the charter ordinance could be voted on at next week's meeting.
Among other items discussed at the meeting was a $30,000 facelift of Holcom Sports Complex at 2700 W. 27th St.
The commissioners voted 5-0 to approve a resolution that called for $350,000 in bond funds to cover renovation and improvement activities at five city facilities, including Holcom.
Wildgen said that the complex needed new equipment for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
In addition, nearly one-third of the funds would go toward bathroom upgrades and new furniture at City Hall. Window and door replacements as well as lighting upgrades are planned for the Fire Department at a cost of $90,000.
In other agenda items, the commission moved to begin negotiations with Lawrence-based Michael Treanor Architects to design a new indoor aquatic center.
Wildgen said that the commission was interested in installing a pool of 25 or 50 meters in length. The negotiations will determine a price range.
A final decision on the location of the indoor center had not been made yet, Wilden said. He said that the commission was looking at Centennial Park and Free State High School as candidates.
Other action
Awarded a construction contract to BRB Contractors, Inc., for the Biosolids Facilities project at the Wastewater Treatment Plant in the amount of $6,306,000.
■ Awarded a bid to Roy Conley Company for three rear loader refuse trucks in the amount of $231, 573.
■ Awarded a bid to Roy Conley Company for a roll-off refuse truck in the amount of $70,845.
Approved a recommendation to place the Ludington/Thacher residence at 1613 Tennessee St. on the Lawrence Register of Historic Places.
- Reviewed and approved the minutes of previous meetings of the City Commission, Bicycle Advisory Committee and Public Health Board.
- Approved Phase I of the site plan for Corpus Christi Church, located on the south side of West 15th Street and east of George Williams Drive.
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